Related Applications
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a circuit interrupting device used with
electrical power distribution systems as protection against a fault current. The circuit
interrupting device includes a circuit interrupter and actuator for operating the
circuit interrupter with both the circuit interrupter and the actuator being maintained
at a potential that is the same as the system potential, allowing for use of less
materials and providing a compact design for the device.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Conventional circuit interrupting devices, such as circuit breakers, sectionalizers
and reclosers provide protection for power distribution systems and the various apparatus
on those power distribution systems such as transformers and capacitor banks by isolating
a faulted section from the main part of the system. A fault current in the system
can occur under various conditions, including but not limited to lightening, an animal
or tree shorting the power lines or different power lines contacting each other.
[0004] Conventional circuit interrupting devices sense a fault and interrupt the current
path. Conventional reclosers also re-close the current path and monitor continued
fault conditions, thereby re-energizing the utility line upon termination of the fault.
This provides maximum continuity of electrical service. If a fault is permanent, the
recloser remains open after a certain number of reclosing operations that can be pre-set.
[0005] However, conventional circuit interrupters, particularly reclosers, are heavy and
bulky, and are usually supported in a tank that has to be mounted to the utility pole.
This also prevents retro-fitting a conventional recloser with various circuit interrupter
mounts, such as a switch or cutout mounting. Also, conventional reclosers cannot be
readily removed from the system to both show a visible break in the circuit and facilitate
maintenance on the device. Moreover, the internal mechanisms of conventional reclosers
are located within the tank and are thus not visible to a lineman. Therefore, the
lineman is forced to rely on an indicator mechanism of the recloser to indicate whether
the current path is open or interrupted, and thus, safe for the lineman to perform
maintenance or repairs. Moreover, conventional reclosers are costly to make due to
the amount and type of materials required. Additionally, conventional reclosers must
be grounded, and therefore, require additional amounts of insulative material and
ground connections. Furthermore, conventional reclosers often require that the electronic
control be housed separately from the recloser.
[0006] Also, conventional reclosers require additional mechanical parts to provide a trip
free mechanism separate from other mechanisms of the recloser. The trip free mechanism
prevents closure of the current path during fault conditions. The additional parts
increase costs and require a larger housing to contain the additional parts.
[0007] Examples of conventional circuit interrupting devices include
U.S. Patent Nos. 6,242,708 to Marchand et al.;
5,663,712 to Kamp;
5,175,403 to Hamm et al.;
5,103,364 to Kamp;
5,099,382 to Eppinger;
4,568,804 to Luehring and
4,323,871 to Kamp et al.; the subject matter of each of which is herein incorporated by reference.
Summary of the Invention
[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a circuit interrupting
device that is compact and less expensive than conventional circuit interrupting devices.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit interrupting device
that can be retro-fit to various existing circuit interrupter mountings of a power
distribution system pole.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a circuit interrupting device
that can be easily removed from the system, facilitating maintenance and visually
indicating to a lineman that the current path of the system has been interrupted.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit interrupting
device that is maintained at the same potential as the distribution system.
[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit interrupting
device that includes an handle and lever mechanism actuated by the electronic control
of the device to allow a lineman to manually interrupt the circuit.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit interrupting device
that prevents closure of the current path during a fault without the need for separate
and additional parts for a trip free mechanism.
[0014] The foregoing objects are attained by a circuit interrupting device for use with
an electrical power distribution system, comprising a circuit interrupter that includes
a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative to the primary contact between
a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an
open position separating the contacts and preventing the current from passing through
the circuit interrupter. An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator
includes a shaft coupled to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter for substantially
simultaneous movement without insulation being disposed between the shaft and the
movable contact. The shaft moves the movable contact from the closed position to the
open position upon occurrence of a fault current. An electronic control is electrically
connected to the actuator and communicating with the actuator to trigger the shaft
to move the movable contact of the circuit interrupter from the closed position to
the open position.
[0015] The foregoing objects are also attained by a circuit interrupting device for use
with an electrical power distribution system, comprising a circuit interrupter that
has a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and
an open position preventing the current from passing through the circuit interrupter.
An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator moves the circuit
interrupter between the closed and open positions upon occurrence of a fault current.
First and second terminals are electrically connected to the circuit interrupter and
are adapted for electrical connection to the power distribution system. A current
path is defined between the first terminal, the circuit interrupter, and the second
terminal, allowing current of the power distribution system to pass through the current
path so that the potential of the circuit interrupter is the same as the potential
of the power distribution system. The circuit interrupter and the actuator are not
mounted in a grounded container, and the first terminal, the circuit interrupter,
the actuator, and the second terminal are ungrounded.
[0016] The foregoing objects are also attained by a circuit interrupting assembly for an
electrical power distribution system, comprising a first insulator adapted for connection
to the power distribution system. The insulator has a first conductive bracket. A
circuit interrupting device is coupled to the first conductive bracket of the insulator.
The circuit interrupting device includes a circuit interrupter that includes a dielectric
housing with a primary contact and a movable contact enclosed therein. The movable
contact is movable relative to the primary contact between a closed position allowing
current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position separating the
contacts and preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator
is coupled to and disposed adjacent to the circuit interrupter. The actuator is received
in a housing and includes a shaft coupled to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter
for substantially simultaneous movement without insulation being disposed between
the shaft and the movable contact. The shaft moves the circuit interrupter between
the closed and open positions upon occurrence of a fault current. First and second
terminals are electrically connected to the circuit interrupter. At least one of the
first and second terminals is connected to the first conductive bracket. A current
path is defined between the first terminal, the circuit interrupter and the second
terminal, allowing current of the power distribution system to pass through the current
path so that the potential of the circuit interrupter is the same as the potential
of the power distribution system. The circuit interrupter and the actuator are not
mounted in a grounded container. The first terminal, the circuit interrupter, the
actuator, and the second terminal are ungrounded.
[0017] The foregoing objects are also attained by a recloser for use with an electrical
power distribution system, comprising a circuit interrupter including a primary contact
and a movable contact movable relative to the primary contact between a closed position
allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position separating
the contacts and preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter.
An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter and includes a movable shaft coupled
to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement
therewith and without insulation being disposed between the movable contact and the
movable shaft. An electronic control is electrically connected to the actuator. The
electronic control communicates with the actuator upon occurrence of a fault current
to trigger the shaft to move the movable contact of the circuit interrupter from the
closed position to the open position and to trigger the shaft to reclose the movable
contact from the open position to the closed position upon termination of the fault
current.
[0018] The foregoing objects are also attained by a recloser for use with an electrical
power distribution system, comprising a circuit interrupter movable between a closed
position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position
preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is coupled
to the circuit interrupter and moves the circuit interrupter between the closed and
open positions. A rotatable handle mechanism coupled to the actuator and movable between
first and second positions corresponding to the closed and open positions of the circuit
interrupter and adapted to move the actuator from the closed position to the open
position. An electronic control is electrically connected to each of the actuator
and the handle mechanism. The electronic control triggers the actuator to move the
circuit interrupter from the closed position to the open position and triggers the
handle mechanism to rotate from the first position to the second position. During
fault conditions the electronic control triggers the actuator to move the circuit
interrupter from the closed position to the open position and triggers the handle
mechanism to rotate from the first position to the second position with the handle
mechanism being incapable of moving the actuator from the open position back to the
closed position.
[0019] By designing the circuit interrupter in the manner described above, the circuit interrupting
device can be made lightweight and compact for removable mounting in various circuit
interrupter mountings of a power distribution system. The device also provides a visual
indication to a lineman of whether the circuit of the system has been interrupted
in the lock-out condition.
[0020] Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with annexed
drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0021] Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a circuit interrupting device in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, showing the circuit interrupting device
mounted between insulator posts of an electrical power distribution system;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the circuit interrupting device illustrated
in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the circuit interrupting device illustrated
in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a sectional, front elevational view of the circuit interrupting device
illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a vacuum interrupter, solenoid, electronic control
and handle and lever mechanism assembly of the circuit interrupting device;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a sectional, front elevational view of the vacuum interrupter and the solenoid
of the circuit interrupting device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the vacuum interrupter and the solenoid of the
circuit interrupting device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the electronic control of the circuit interrupting
device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the circuit interrupting device illustrated
in FIG. 1, showing a handle mechanism and a lever mechanism of the handle and lever
mechanism assembly in the closed and normal positions, respectively;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the handle and lever mechanism assembly of the circuit
interrupting device illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the handle and lever mechanisms
in the closed and normal positions, respectively;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the handle and lever mechanism assembly of the circuit
interrupting device illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a partial, sectional, front elevational view of the handle and lever mechanism
assembly of the circuit interrupting device illustrated in FIG. 4, showing the handle
mechanism opened by the electronic control and the lever mechanism in the normal position;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a partial, sectional, front elevational view of the handle and lever mechanism
assembly of the circuit interrupting device illustrated in FIG. 4, showing the handle
mechanism opened manually and the lever mechanism in the normal position;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a partial, sectional, front elevational view of the handle and lever mechanism
assembly of the circuit interrupting device illustrated in FIG. 4, showing the handle
mechanism in the closed position during reclose and the lever mechanism in the normal
position; and
[0035] FIG. 14 is a partial, sectional, front elevational view of the handle and lever mechanism
assembly of the circuit interrupting device illustrated in FIG. 4, showing the handle
mechanism in the closed position and the lever mechanism in the lock-out position.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1-14, a circuit interrupting device 10 for a power distribution
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is supported by first
and second insulator posts 12 and 14 mounted to a power distribution base 16 attached
to cross arm or pole 17 of the system to permit electrically connecting the circuit
interrupting device 10 to the system. Preferably, circuit interrupting device 10 is
used with a high voltage power distribution system, but can also be used in low voltage
applications. Circuit interrupting device 10 generally includes a circuit interrupter
18 actuated by an actuator 20, which is electrically controlled by an electronic control
assembly 22. Circuit interrupter 18 is preferably a vacuum interrupter, but can be
any type of interrupter such as SF6 gas interrupter or a solid dielectric interrupter.
Actuator 20 is preferably a solenoid, but can be any known electrical or mechanical
actuating or operating mechanism. Circuit interrupting device 10 is maintained at
the same potential as the distribution system by not grounding device 10 to earth
ground, thereby eliminating the need for traditional grounded enclosures and additional
insulation. Also, circuit interrupting device 10 is exposed and is not received in
an outer container that is grounded, such as in an oil or gas filled tank. The reduction
in insulative materials significantly reduces costs and provides a compact and lighter
circuit interrupting device 10 than conventional devices. The compact design also
allows circuit interrupting device 10 to be mounted with various circuit interrupter
mountings or be retro-fitted to various existing circuit interrupter mountings of
the system. For example, device 10 is preferably mounted between insulator posts 12
and 14 of a standard switch mounting but can also be mounted to any suitable mounting,
such as a standard cutout or sectionalizer mounting. Circuit interrupting device 10
is preferably a recloser; however, circuit interrupting device 10 can also be a circuit
breaker that does not reclose.
[0037] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, circuit interrupter or vacuum interrupter 18 is conventional
and therefore will only be described in sufficient detail to allow one of ordinary
skill in the art to make and use the present invention. Vacuum interrupter 18 provides
voltage switching and generally includes a vacuum bottle 24 having a ceramic outer
shell 26 with first and second opposing ends 28 and 30. A stationary or primary contact
32 is fixed at first end 28 and a movable contact 34 is slidably supported in an opening
at second end 30. A seal (not shown) can be provided to ensure a vacuum is maintained
in vacuum bottle 24. Contacts 32 and 34 are preferably made of a conductive material,
such as copper. Vacuum is defined as being substantially evacuated of air. The movable
contact 34 is connected to and operated by actuator or solenoid 20. As seen in FIG.
5, when stationary and movable contacts 32 and 34 are in contact, vacuum interrupter
18 is in the closed position and circuit interrupting device 10 is operating under
normal conditions. During a fault, movable contact 34 is separated from stationary
contact 32, typically by only about a fraction of an inch, e.g. about 9 mm, to an
open position, thereby interrupting the current path and isolating the fault current.
[0038] Vacuum interrupter 18 should meet certain minimum requirements for industry standards.
For example, when used in a recloser application, vacuum interrupter 18 should meet
industry standards outlined in for example ANSI/IEEE C37.60 for reclosers.
[0039] Vacuum interrupter 18 is supported by a dielectric housing 36 preferably made of
a glass filled polyester. Housing 36 is a unitary one-piece member that is hollow
and generally cylindrical in shape to accommodate vacuum interrupter 18. A first end
38 of housing 36 includes an opening 40 for receiving a conductive insert or first
terminal 42 molded into opening 40 of housing 36. A bolt 43 extends through insert
42 into vacuum interrupter stationary contact 32 thereby connecting insert 42 to vacuum
interrupter 18. Insert 42 provides a mechanism for electrically connecting stationary
contact 32 and vacuum interrupter 18 directly or indirectly to the power distribution
system. At a second end 44, opposite first end 38, housing 36 includes a radial support
plate 46 for rigidly coupling vacuum bottle 24 and solenoid 20. Radial support plate
46 preferably includes three leg extensions 48, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, that connect
to a mounting plate 50 via fasteners 53 for mounting solenoid 20 to radial support
plate 46. Mounting plate 50 can either be fastened to solenoid 20, such as by screws
(not shown), or made unitary with solenoid 20.
[0040] Between vacuum bottle 24 and dielectric housing 36 is a dielectric filler 52 that
fills the space therebetween, thereby replacing the lower dielectric strength air
with a higher dielectric material. In particular, filler 52 is a dielectric material
that bonds to all contact surfaces ensuring an arc track resistant surface interface.
Filler 52 can be any dielectric material such as a dielectric epoxy, polyurethane,
a silicone grease or solid. Preferably, filler 52 is room temperature curable and
has an acceptable pot life to allow ease in manufacturing. Filler 52 preferably has
a very low viscosity to enable the manufacturing and assembly process to be done without
using a vacuum.
[0041] Weathershed insulation 54 is disposed around the outside of dielectric housing 36
to provide dielectric strength and weatherability to vacuum interrupter 18. Preferably,
weathershed insulation 54 is made of a rubber material, such as rubber, EPDM, silicone
or any other known material. Alternatively, weathershed 54 and dielectric housing
36 can be formed as a unitary housing made of a dielectric epoxy material.
[0042] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, solenoid 20 is a latching or bistable mechanism that moves
movable contact 34 between and holds it in the open and closed positions with respect
to stationary contact 32. Since circuit interrupting device 10 is at the same potential
as the system, solenoid 20 can be directly connected adjacent to vacuum interrupter
18. Solenoid 20 includes a generally cylindrical housing 56 with a longitudinal shaft
58 received therein. Shaft 58 includes a first part 60 with a first connection end
62 for connecting to vacuum interrupter movable contact 34 and an opposite end 63
without any insulation therebetween. A second part 64 of shaft 58 includes a second
connection end 66 remote from first connection end 62 for connecting to a manual handle
and lever mechanism assembly 68, described below, for manually opening and closing
vacuum interrupter 18 and an opposite end 65.
[0043] Also received within cylindrical housing 56 is an actuating block 70 that is generally
cylindrical and receives ends 63 and 65 of first and second parts 60 and 64, respectively,
of shaft 58 within an inner bore 72. Actuating block 70 includes a first end 74 with
end 63 of shaft first part 60 extending therethrough into inner bore 72. End 65 of
shaft second part 64 extends through a second end 76 opposite first end 74 and into
inner bore 72. Block second end 76 also includes a shoulder 78 that engages position
limit switch 80 supported by bracket 82 for conveying the position of shaft 58 and
vacuum interrupter 18, either opened or closed, to electronic control assembly 22
as block 70 slidably moves along a longitudinal axis 71 within solenoid 20. A first
biasing member 84 is disposed in inner bore 72 between ends 63 and 65 of shaft first
and second parts 60 and 64. First biasing member 84 is preferably a plurality of Belleville
washers. Shaft first part 60 is trapped between vacuum interrupter movable contact
34 and first biasing member 84 of actuator block 70. Shaft second part 64 screws into
actuating block inner bore 72 with end 65 to adjust the load applied by first biasing
member 84 on shaft first part 60 by increasing or decreasing the load applied to biasing
member 84 by end 65 of shaft second part 64. This allows selection of the appropriate
amount of load to ensure the proper connection between shaft first part 60 and movable
contact 34 and thus between vacuum interrupter stationary and movable contacts 32
and 34.
[0044] Disposed around the outer surface 86 of support block 70 is a second biasing member
88 which is preferably a compression spring. A permanent magnet 90, preferably any
rare earth magnet, abuts actuating block first end 74, and holds actuating block 70
toward magnet 90 forcing shaft first part 60 and movable contact 34 against stationary
32 in the vacuum interrupter closed position. A radial lip 94 of actuating block 70
compresses spring 88, as seen in Fig. 5. The permanent magnet 90 and flux concentrator
91 allow the solenoid 20 to hold the vacuum interrupter contacts 32 and 34 closed
without power. An energy coil 92 surrounds actuator block 70 and spring 88. Coil 92
creates an opposing magnetic force to magnet 90, releasing spring 88 and actuator
block 70 away from magnet 90 when energized by electronic control assembly 22 in a
first direction. In particular, spring 88 abuts radial lip 94 of actuating block 70
to force block 70 away from magnet 90 and vacuum interrupter 18. This in turn moves
movable contact 34 away from stationary contact 32 to the open position. Coil 92 can
also create a magnetic force in the same direction as magnet 90 which overcomes spring
88 and moves contact 34 back to the closed position when energized by electronic control
assembly 22 in a second direction opposite the first direction.
[0045] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, vacuum interrupter 18 and solenoid 20 are coupled by a
conductive adapter 96. Specifically, a first end 98 of adapter 96 is threadably received
into an end 100 of vacuum interrupter movable contact 34, and an opposite end 102
threadably receives connection end 62 of shaft first part 60 of solenoid 20. This
provides a continuous conductive path between vacuum interrupter movable contact 34
and solenoid shaft first part 60 without any insulation being disposed between movable
contact end 100 and shaft connection end 62. Alternatively, shaft first part 60 can
be extended and threadably received directly into movable contact end 100. The conductive
connection of vacuum interrupter movable contact 34 and solenoid shaft first part
60 without insulation allows placement of solenoid 20 in close proximity with or adjacent
to vacuum interrupter 18 resulting in a more compact design of device 10.
[0046] Solenoid 20 is received within a housing 106, as best seen in FIG. 4. Housing 106
includes first and second halves 108 and 110 shaped to accommodate solenoid 20 with
vacuum interrupter 18 connected to housing 106 by radial support plate 46 of dielectric
housing 36. In particular, radial support plate 46 includes a plurality of threaded
holes 112, which may include threaded inserts (not shown), as best seen in FIG. 6,
that align with holes (not shown) of housing 106. Fasteners (not shown) extend through
holes 112 of radial support plate 46 and the holes of conductive housing 106. Leg
extensions 48 of radial support plate 46 extend through an opening in a first side
114 of housing 106 so that radial support plate 46 abuts side 114 thereby closing
off the opening.
[0047] A second side 116 of housing 106 opposite side 114 and dielectric housing 36 includes
a conductive extension or second terminal 118. Preferably, housing 106 is made of
a conductive material forming part of the electrical connection between second terminal
118 and first terminal 42. Housing 106 can be made of any conductive material such
as aluminum. Alternatively, housing 106 can be made of a non-conductive material,
such as plastic, or a poor conductive material, such as stainless steel, with a conductive
shunt (not shown) connected to second terminal 118 and electrically connected indirectly
to first terminal 42.
[0048] As seen in FIG. 4, also received within housing 106 and electrically connected to
solenoid 20 by wiring is electronic control assembly 22, as best seen in FIG. 4. Electronic
control assembly 22 will sense a fault current and trigger solenoid 20 to open vacuum
interrupter 18. A flexible conductive strap 120, preferably formed of thin copper
ribbons, directs the current from vacuum interrupter 18 to electronic control 22 and
substantially prevents the current from going through solenoid 20. Strap 120 includes
opposite first and second ends 122 and 124 and each end having an opening or cutout
126, as seen in FIG. 6 (showing only second end 124 with cutout 126). First end 122
of strap 120 is coupled to vacuum interrupter 18 and solenoid 20 at adapter 96. In
particular, strap first end 122 is sandwiched between adapter 96 and a nut 128 with
shaft first part 60 extending through the cutout of strap first end 122.
[0049] Second end 124 of strap 120 is coupled to a conductive support tube 130 of electronic
control 22. Support tube 130 is preferably made of copper, and is attached to and
electrically connected to an electronics board 132. Support tube 130 also supports
a sensor or sensing current transformer 134 that measures current amplitude, and first
and second power transformers 136 and 138 with each transformer being electrically
connected to electronics board 132 by wiring. Sensing current transformer 134 is used
to monitor the magnitude of the system current. First power current transformer 136
is used to charge a first capacitor 140 of electronics board 132 which stores energy
from the system to power device 10 and to trip the solenoid 20 and vacuum interrupter
18 to the open position. Second power current transformer 138 is used to charge a
second capacitor 142 similar to first capacitor 140 which stores the energy to trip
solenoid 20 and vacuum interrupter 18 closed. Although it is preferable to use two
power current transformers, one power current transformer can be used. A clamp 144
is disposed on support tube 130 that clamps electronic control assembly 22 to housing
106. Tube 130 defines a current path from electronic control 22 to second terminal
118 of housing 106. If housing 106 is made of a non-conductive or poor conductive
material, a conductive shunt (not shown) can be provided between support tube 130
and terminal 118 to define the current path from control 22 to terminal 118.
[0050] A battery 150 is preferably used as a power source for electronic control assembly
22 to close vacuum interrupter contacts 32 and 34 when initially installing device
10 and after lock-out of device 10 due to a permanent fault. Battery 150 is also received
within housing 106 and removably secured thereto. Battery 150 includes a plastic tube
152 that carries a plurality of lithium batteries and provides a current path through
housing 106 to electronics board 132. A ring 154 at the distal end of battery 150
extends outside of conductive housing 106 and provides an attachment point for a tool,
such as a hot stick, for installing and removing battery 150. An external power source
can be used in lieu of the battery to close the interrupter contacts upon initial
installation and lock-out.
[0051] Also connected to electronics board 132 and received within housing 106 is a counter
mechanism 156, as seen in FIG. 4. Since most fault currents are temporary, a variable
time period generally ranging between 0 and 60 seconds, such as for example 4 seconds,
is programmed into electronics board 132 of electronic control 22 for closing vacuum
interrupter 18, thereby reclosing the current path of the system. However, if a fault
current is still detected by electronic control 22 after several operations of solenoid
20 and vacuum interrupter 18, electronic control 22 will maintain vacuum interrupter
18 in an open or lock-out position, thereby isolating the fault current from the rest
of the system. A counter mechanism 156 tracks the number of times vacuum interrupter
18 is opened and closed independently of electronic control 22.
[0052] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 8-14, manual handle and lever mechanism assembly 68 is coupled
to solenoid 20 and received within housing 106. Manual handle and lever mechanism
assembly 68 includes an operating handle mechanism 160 and a lock out lever mechanism
162. Operating handle mechanism 160 communicates with electronic control 22, preferably
through limit switches, to allow a lineman to open vacuum interrupter 18, if necessary
to interrupt the circuit, by manually rotating a handle 164 of handle mechanism 160.
Handle 164 will also provide a visual indication of when device 10 and contacts 32
and 34 are closed or in permanent lock-out. Lock-out lever mechanism 162 allows the
lineman to prevent electronic control 22 from signaling solenoid 20 and vacuum interrupter
18 to reclose after a fault current has been detected by manually rotating a lever
166 of lever mechanism 162. This is particularly useful when the lineman is testing
or performing maintenance on the system to prevent r eclosure while work is being
performed. Handle mechanism 160 and lever mechanism 162 operate independently of one
another.
[0053] Handle mechanism 160 includes handle 164 connected to a rotatable shaft 168 which
supports a drive spring 170 that is loaded when handle 164 is in the normal or closed
position, as seen in FIG. 8. Drive spring 170 is preferably a double torsion spring.
Mechanism 160 also includes a secondary solenoid assembly 172 supported by a bracket
175 (seen in FIGS. 9 and 10). When secondary solenoid assembly 172 is stimulated by
electronic control 22 that fault conditions are present and permanent (i.e. not temporary),
solenoid assembly 172 releases the stored energy in drive spring 170 to move handle
164 about seventy degrees downwardly to the open position indicating that vacuum interrupter
18 is in the open position. In particular, solenoid assembly 172 includes a solenoid
174 and a retainer block 176 which operates with a lever 178 coupled to shaft 168.
Lever 178 restrains and releases the stored energy of drive spring 170 to handle shaft
168. Arms 177 of spring 170 are retained by a plate 179 (seen in FIGS. 11-14) extending
from the housing first half 108 inner surface. A pin 181 catches lever 178 to rotate
lever 178 and shaft 168 to the open position. Shaft 168 also supports an over toggle
spring assembly 180 including a compression spring 182 and support bracket 184, which
maintains the handle 164 in either the opened or closed position. Drive spring 170
will overcome compression spring 182 when electronic control 22 signals a permanent
fault condition. A switch 186 attached to the inner surface of housing half 108 is
triggered by cam 188 that is disposed on handle shaft 168 thereby communicating the
open or closed position of handle 164 to electronic control 22.
[0054] Alternatively, a lineman can manually open vacuum interrupter 18 to interrupt the
circuit, if for example electronic control 22 fails to signal solenoid 20 to open
vacuum interrupter 18 (i.e. due to malfunction). In particular, bracket assembly 190
operates with handle shaft 168 to mechanically open vacuum interrupter 18 when handle
164 is moved or rotated downwardly by the lineman. Bracket assembly 190 includes a
U-shaped bracket 192 rotatably coupled to extensions 194 by a pin 196. Extensions
194 are fixed to handle shaft 168. U-shaped bracket 192 is slidably coupled to solenoid
shaft second part 64 allowing shaft second part 64 to move relative to bracket 192
when moving vacuum interrupter contacts 32 and 34 between the opened and closed positions
by solenoid 20. At least one nut or catch 195 is disposed at shaft connection end
between U-shaped bracket 192 and pin 196 to engage U-shaped bracket 192 for mechanically
pulling solenoid shaft 58 and actuator block 70 in response to the lineman rotating
the handle which in turn pulls vacuum interrupter movable contact 34 out of contact
with stationary contact 32 when the electronic control is inoperative.
[0055] As seen in FIGS. 8-10, lock-out lever mechanism 162 includes lever 166 connected
to a rotatable shaft 198 separate from handle shaft 168. Lever shaft 198 supports
a lever 200 that trips either switch 202 when lever 166 is in the normal position
or switch 204 when lever 166 is in the lock-out position. Switches 202 and 204 are
attached to the inner surface of housing half 108. Lever 166 is in the normal position,
as seen in FIG. 8, when vacuum interrupter 18 is in the closed position and electronic
control 22 is operating under normal reclose conditions. Lever 166 is in the lock-out
position when lever 166 is rotated by the lineman to signal electronic control 22
to lock-out and not attempt a reclose after fault conditions have been detected. An
over-toggle spring 206 is coupled to lever 200 to maintain lever 166 in either the
normal or lock-out positions.
Assembly
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1-14, circuit interrupting device 10 is assembled by rigidly coupling
vacuum interrupter 18 and solenoid 20 using adapter 96. Specifically, adapter first
end 98 is threaded into the end 100 of vacuum interrupter movable contact 34 and connection
end 62 of solenoid shaft first part 60 is threaded into adapter second end 102. Solenoid
20 will be adjacent vacuum interrupter 18 and no insulation is placed in the connection
between movable contact 34 and shaft first part 60 since circuit interrupting device
10 will be maintained at system potential and not grounded. This allows for a compact
design of circuit interrupting device 10. Also, mounting plate 50 attached to solenoid
20 is mounted to leg extensions 48 of radial support plate 46 of vacuum interrupter
dielectric housing 36 via fasteners 53, such as screws.
[0057] Vacuum interrupter 18 is electrically connected to electronic control 22 by strap
120. Electronic control 22 is electrically connected by wiring to solenoid 20 and
solenoid limit switch 80. Electronic control 22 is also electrically connected to
secondary solenoid 172 and the switches 186, 202 and 204 of handle and lever mechanism
assembly 68. Handle mechanism 160 is mechanically coupled to solenoid shaft second
part 64 via bracket assembly 190.
[0058] Dielectric housing 36 is connected to housing 106, with solenoid 20, electronic control
22 and handle and lever mechanism assembly 68 being received within housing 106. In
particular, dielectric housing 36 is attached to housing 106 by aligning threaded
holes 112 of radial support plate 46 with holes in housing 106 allowing fasteners,
such as screws, to be inserted and threaded therein thereby coupling dielectric housing
36 and conductive housing 106. Handle 164 and lever 166 of handle and lever mechanism
assembly 68 extend outside of housing 106 and can include a protective cover 212,
as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0059] The assembled circuit interrupting device 10 can be mounted in a variety of mountings
of the power distribution system as long as first and second terminals 42 and 118
of device 10 are electrically connected to the system. Preferably, circuit interrupting
device 10 is mounted between posts 12 and 14 of a conventional switching device (switch
not shown). As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, first and second terminals 42 and 118 are engaged
with first and second brackets 208 and 210 of posts 12 and 14, respectively, thereby
supporting circuit interrupting device 10 and electrically connecting circuit interrupting
device 10 to the system. The engagement of first and second terminals 42 and 118 with
brackets 208 and 210, respectively, allow for easy installation of device 10 as well
as removal of device 10. This allows a lineman to completely remove circuit interrupting
device 10 from the system, such as for maintenance, and once removed also provides
a clear visual indication that the circuit has been interrupted.
[0060] Movable contact 34 of vacuum interrupter 18 is in the open position when mounting
circuit interrupting device 10. Electronic control 22 signals closure of vacuum interrupter
contacts 32 and 34 using battery 150 as an initial power source. Once mounted, the
current path through device 10 goes through first terminal 42; through stationary
and movable contacts 32 and 34 of vacuum interrupter 18; through adapter 96; through
tube 130 of electronic control 22 via strap 120; and through housing 106 at clamp
144 to second terminal 118. If housing is nonconductive or of poor conductivity, the
current would travel from support tube 130 and then through a conductive shunt to
second terminal 118. The current is prevented from going through solenoid 20 by strap
120 and by isolating (i.e. not touching) solenoid 20 from housing 106.
Operation
[0061] In operation, electronic control assembly 22 will detect a fault by means of a conventional
current transformer sensor, and open contacts 32 and 34 of vacuum interrupter 18.
Electronic control 22 will then reclose contacts 32 and 34 after a user defined pre-set
length of time. If the fault current is only temporary and has terminated, electronic
control 22 will keep vacuum interrupter contacts 32 and 34 closed allowing circuit
interrupting device 10 to remain closed and minimize interruption of the circuit.
If the fault current is still present, electronic control 22 will again open and reclose
vacuum interrupter contacts 32 and 34 for a pre-set number of times. Electronic control
22 tracks the number of reclosings by solenoid 20, and will also reset after the pre-set
number of reclose operations have been completed without lock-out or after a selected
period of time. Once the pre-set number of reclose attempts is exhausted indicating
that the fault condition is permanent, electronic control 22 keeps vacuum interrupter
contacts 32 and 34 in the open position, thereby interrupting and isolating the fault
from the rest of the system.
[0062] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, a fault current is detected by sensing current transformer
134 which signals a microcontroller 148 of electronic control 22 to interrupt the
circuit by opening contacts 32 and 34. In particular, as is known in the art, the
output current of transformer 134 is converted to a voltage and fed to an A/D converter.
The microcontroller 148 uses the output of the A/D converter to determine whether
a fault condition exists. The power current transformers 136 and 138 are used to convert
the load current or fault current to usable energy. Microcontroller 148 signals switch
146 to switch to first capacitor 140 that has been energized by power current transformer
136. Capacitor 140 provides an energy pulse to coil 92 of solenoid 20 in a first direction
that cancels magnetic force of magnet 90 of solenoid 20, thereby releasing compression
spring 88 and actuator block 70. Due to the force of spring 88 on actuator block 70,
block 70 and shaft 58 will move away from magnet 90 and vacuum interrupter 18. Since
first part 60 of shaft 58 is connected to movable contact 34 of vacuum interrupter
18, movable contact 34 will separate from stationary contact 32 to the open position
thereby breaking the current path and interrupting the fault.
[0063] After a certain period of time, such as a few seconds, programmed into microcontroller
148 of electronic control 22, the second capacitor 142 is triggered via microcontroller
148 and switch 146 to provide an energy pulse in a second direction, opposite the
first direction of the first capacitor 140, to coil 92 which creates a magnetic force
that overcomes the spring 88 thereby moving actuator block 70 back against magnet
90 and movable contact 34 back into contact with stationary contact 32 to the closed
position, thereby reclosing the current path. If after several of these operations,
the fault conditions remain, electronic control 22 will trigger solenoid 20 and vacuum
interrupter contacts 32 and 34 to remain in the open or lock-out position, thereby
permanently isolating the fault from the system.
[0064] Microcontroller 148 includes a memory for recording data after a fault has occurred
such as the amplitude of the fault current, the duration of the fault current, the
number of reclose operations performed, the time of day, and the date. This data can
then be downloaded. Preferably, microcontroller 148 continually stores the last 12
events.
[0065] Handle and lever mechanism assembly 68 is shown in the normal operating position,
as seen in FIGS. 4, and 8-10, when vacuum interrupter contacts 32 and 34 are in the
closed position. In this position, handle 164 of handle mechanism 160 is in the closed
position or extending horizontally with respect to housing 106 and lever 166 is the
normal position or extending horizontally in a direction opposite that of handle 164,
as seen in FIG. 8. Drive spring 170 is loaded and restrained by lever 178 and housing
plate 179. Lever 178 is restrained under retainer block 176 of secondary solenoid
assembly 172. Compression spring 182 of over toggle spring assembly 180 biases handle
shaft 168 and handle 164 in the closed position. Also in this position, lever 200
of lever mechanism 162 engages switch 202 which signals electronic control 22 to operate
under normal reclose conditions. Over toggle spring 206 biases lever 200 toward switch
202 and lever 166 in the normal position.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 11, handle and lever mechanism assembly 68 is shown in a position
after a fault current is determined to be permanent and electronic control 22 signaled
vacuum interrupter contacts 32 and 34 (seen in FIG. 5) to remain permanently in the
open or lock-out position. In this position, electronic control 22 (seen in FIG. 4)
signaled solenoid 174 of solenoid assembly 172 to release the stored energy of drive
spring 170 by retracting retaining block 176 allowing lever 178 to rotate with respect
to handle shaft 168 upwardly toward drive spring 170 to release drive spring 170.
Pin 181 engaged lever 178 which in turn rotated handle shaft 168 and handle 164 to
the open position (not shown) with handle 164 extending vertically downwardly with
respect to housing 106. Compression spring 182 of over toggle spring assembly 180
biases handle shaft 168 and handle 164 in the open position. Cam 188 (seen in FIG.
10) on handle shaft 168 will trigger or engage switch 186 to communicate with electronic
control 22 that handle 164 is in the open position. Also, since handle mechanism 160
and lever mechanism 162 (seen in FIGS. 9 and 10) operate independently, lever 166
of lever mechanism 162 is maintained in the normal position, as described above, as
seen in FIG. 8.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 12, handle and lever mechanism assembly 68 is shown in a position
after a lineman has manually moved handle mechanism 160 to the open position by rotating
handle 164 downwardly to a vertical position (not shown). Rotation of handle 164 will
cause cam 188 on handle shaft 168 (seen in FIG. 10) to trigger switch 186 which communicates
with electronic control 22 (seen in FIG. 4) to open solenoid 20 and vacuum interrupter
contacts 32 and 34 (seen in FIG. 5). Drive spring 170 remains loaded and lever 178
is retained under retaining block 176 of solenoid assembly 172. If electronic control
22 has malfunctioned, shaft 168 of handle mechanism 160 rotates U-shaped bracket 192
which engages nut or catch 195 (seen in FIG. 9) on shaft connection end 66 to pull
shaft second part 64, actuator block 70, and shaft first part 60 of solenoid 20 and
separate vacuum interrupter movable contact 34 from stationary contact 32 thereby
interrupting the circuit. Also, lever 166 of lever mechanism 162 is maintained in
its normal position, as seen in FIG. 8.
[0068] As a safety measure, device 10 and handle mechanism 160 are designed to prevent mechanical
closure of vacuum interrupter contacts 32 and 34 using handle 164, such as after handle
164 has been moved to the open position either manually or by electronic control 22.
Only electronic control 22 can close contacts 32 and 34 and thus close the current
path. This prevents a lineman from mechanically closing vacuum interrupter 18, independent
of electronic control 22. In particular, an attempted rotation of handle 164 from
the open position back to the closed position will not move solenoid shaft second
part 64 back towards vacuum interrupter 18 to close contacts 32 and 34 because shaft
second part 64 and U-shaped bracket 192 of handle mechanism 160 being slidable in
the closing direction since there is not nut or other member to engage bracket 192
and to stop relative movement of the shaft and bracket. In addition to safety, using
only electronic control 22 eliminates the need for additional mechanical parts, such
as a trip-free mechanism, to allow immediate reopening of vacuum interrupter 18 in
the presence of a fault regardless of the lineman's manipulation of the handle. Elimination
of these parts allows for a less expensive and more compact design.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 13, handle and lever mechanism assembly 68 is shown in a position
when electronic control 22 (seen in FIG. 4) has detected a fault current and has opened
solenoid 20 and vacuum interrupter contacts 32 and 34 (seen in FIG. 5) and is in the
middle of reclosing vacuum interrupter 18. During reclose, the fault current is considered
temporary and therefore electronic control 22 does not signal solenoid assembly 172
to open handle mechanism 160. In other words, handle 164 of handle mechanism 160 is
maintained in the closed position, as seen in FIGS. 8-10 while reclose operations
are being performed. Solenoid shaft 58 and actuating block 70 are allowed to move
back and forth along longitudinal axis 71 (seen in FIG. 5) to open and reclose vacuum
interrupter contacts 32 and 34 without interference from handle mechanism 160. In
particular, solenoid shaft second part 64 slides with respect to U-shaped bracket
192. Lever 166 of lever mechanism 162 is also maintained in its normal position, as
seen in FIG. 8. If the pre-set number of reclose attempts are exhausted, electronic
control 22 will then maintain solenoid 20 and vacuum interrupter 18 in the open position
and signal solenoid assembly 172 to move handle 164 of handle mechanism 160 to the
open position (not shown) as described above. Lever 166 will still remain in the normal
position.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 14, handle and lever mechanism assembly 68 is shown in a position
when a lineman does not want solenoid 20 and vacuum interrupter 18 to reclose after
a fault current occurs. In this position, handle mechanism 160 is maintained in the
closed position, as described above, and lever 166 of lever mechanism 160 is rotated
downwardly to a vertical lock-out position. This rotates lever 200 with respect to
lever shaft 198 (seen in FIG. 9) to engage switch 204 which signals electronic control
22 to not reclose solenoid 20 and vacuum interrupter 18 if a fault occurs. Then if
a fault occurs, electronic control 22 maintains solenoid 20 and vacuum interrupter
18 in the open position and signals solenoid assembly 172 to move handle mechanism
160 to the open position.
[0071] While a particular embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can
be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
[0072] Various aspects of the invention are set out in the following statements:
[0073] 1. A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system,
comprising: circuit interrupter including a primary contact and a movable contact
movable relative to said primary contact between a closed position allowing current
to pass through said circuit interrupter and an open position separating said contacts
and preventing current from passing through said circuit interrupter; an actuator
coupled to said circuit interrupter, said actuator including a shaft coupled to said
movable contact of said circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement
without insulation being disposed between said shaft and said movable contact, said
shaft moving said movable contact from said closed position to said open position
upon occurrence of a fault current; and an electronic control electrically connected
to said actuator and communicating with said actuator to trigger said shaft to move
said movable contact of said circuit interrupter from said closed position to said
open position.
[0074] 2. A circuit interrupting according to statement 1, wherein each of said circuit
interrupter, said actuator, and said electronic control are ungrounded.
[0075] 3. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein said actuator
includes a housing; and said shaft is slidably received in said housing and axially
movable relative thereto.
[0076] 4. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 3, wherein said actuator
is a solenoid.
[0077] 5. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein said actuator
is located adjacent to said circuit interrupter.
[0078] 6. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein said electronic
control includes first and second capacitors that provide energy to said actuator
in first and second opposing directions, respectively, with said first and second
directions corresponding to shaft movement towards said closed and open positions.
[0079] 7. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein said circuit interrupter
is supported by a dielectric housing; and said actuator is received in a housing,
said housing of said actuator is coupled to said dielectric housing of said circuit
interrupter.
[0080] 8. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 7, wherein said housing of
said actuator is made of a conductive material.
[0081] 9. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 7, wherein said dielectric
housing of said circuit interrupter and said housing of said actuator are ungrounded.
[0082] 10. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 7, wherein an electronic
control is electrically connected to each of said circuit interrupter and said housing
of said actuator to define a current path through said circuit interrupter, through
said electronic control, and through said housing of said actuator.
[0083] 11. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 10, wherein a wire strap
is disposed between said circuit interrupter and said electronic control to direct
the current path therebetween and isolate said actuator from the current path.
[0084] 12. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein said movable
contact and said shaft are coupled by a mechanical connection.
[0085] 13. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein said movable
contact and said shaft are coupled by a threaded connection.
[0086] 14. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein said circuit
interrupter is a vacuum interrupter that includes a substantially vacuum enclosure
that encloses said movable contact and said primary contact.
[0087] 15. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein a rotating handle
is coupled to said shaft and is movable between first and second positions for mechanically
moving said movable contact from said closed position to said open position.
[0088] 16. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 15, wherein said handle
includes a handle shaft with a bracket pivotally connected to said shaft of said actuator;
and said handle is axially spaced from said shaft of said actuator.
[0089] 17. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 15, wherein said electronic
control is electrically connected to said handle for selectively moving said handle
between said first and second positions substantially simultaneously with moving said
movable contact between said closed and open positions.
[0090] 18. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 17, wherein said electronic
control and said handle are electrically connected by limit switches.
[0091] 19. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein said electronic
control is programmable.
[0092] 20. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 19, wherein said electronic
control stores data related to the fault current.
[0093] 21. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein a power source
is removably and electrically connected to said electronic control to supply power
to said electronic control and to be at the same potential as said circuit interrupter.
[0094] 22. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 21, wherein said power source
is a battery.
[0095] 23. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 1, wherein said electronic
control comprises a current transformer at line potential as a power source.
[0096] 24. A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system,
comprising: a circuit interrupter having a closed position allowing current to pass
through said circuit interrupter and an open position preventing current from passing
through said circuit interrupter; an actuator electrically and mechanically coupled
to said circuit interrupter, said actuator moves said circuit interrupter between
said closed and open positions upon occurrence of a fault current; and first and second
terminals electrically connected to said circuit interrupter and being adapted for
electrical connection to the power distribution system, defining a current path between
said first terminal, said circuit interrupter, and said second terminal, allowing
current of the power distribution system to pass through said current path so that
the potential of said circuit interrupter is the same as the potential of the power
distribution system, whereby said circuit interrupter and said actuator are not mounted
in a grounded container, and said first terminal, said circuit interrupter, said actuator,
and said second terminal being ungrounded.
[0097] 25. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 24, wherein said circuit
interrupter includes a primary contact and a movable contact that moves relative to
said primary contact between said closed positions and said open position; and said
actuator includes a shaft coupled to said movable contact for substantially simultaneous
movement with said movable contact between said closed and open positions.
[0098] 26. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 24, wherein said movable
contact and said shaft are connected without insulation being disposed therebetween.
[0099] 27. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 24, wherein an electronic
control is electrically connected to each of said circuit interrupter and said actuator,
respectively, said electronic control communicates with said actuator to move said
movable contact of said circuit interrupter from said closed position to said open
position upon occurrence of the fault current.
[0100] 28. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 24, wherein said circuit
interrupter is supported by a dielectric housing; and said actuator is received in
a housing, said housing of said actuator is coupled to said dielectric housing of
said circuit interrupter.
[0101] 29. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 28, wherein said housing
of said actuator is made of a conductive material.
[0102] 30. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 28, wherein said dielectric
housing of said circuit interrupter and said housing of said actuator are ungrounded.
[0103] 31. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 28, wherein said first terminal
extends from said circuit interrupter; and said second terminal extends from said
housing of said actuator remote from said first terminal.
[0104] 32. A circuit interrupting device according to statement 24, wherein said actuator
is a solenoid.
[0105] 33. A circuit interrupting assembly for an electrical power distribution system,
comprising: a first insulator adapted for connection to the power distribution system,
said insulator has a first conductive bracket; and a circuit interrupting device coupled
to said first conductive bracket of said insulator, said circuit interrupting device
including, a circuit interrupter including a dielectric housing with a primary contact
and a movable contact enclosed therein, said movable contact being movable relative
to said primary contact between a closed position allowing current to pass through
said circuit interrupter and an open position separating said contacts and preventing
current from passing through said circuit interrupter, an actuator coupled to and
disposed adjacent to said circuit interrupter, said actuator being received in a housing
and including a shaft coupled to said movable contact of said circuit interrupter
for substantially simultaneous movement without insulation being disposed between
said shaft and said movable contact, said shaft moves said circuit interrupter between
said closed and open positions upon occurrence of a fault current, and first and second
terminals electrically connected to said circuit interrupter contacts, and at least
one of said first and second terminals being connected to said first conductive bracket,
whereby a current path is defined between said first terminal, said circuit interrupter
and said second terminal, allowing current of the power distribution system to pass
through said current path so that the potential of said circuit interrupter is the
same as the potential of the power distribution system, said circuit interrupter and
said actuator are not mounted in a grounded container and said first terminal, said
circuit interrupter, said actuator, and said second terminal being ungrounded.
[0106] 34. A circuit interrupting assembly according to statement 33, wherein a second insulator
includes a second conductive bracket connected to the other of said first and second
terminals.
[0107] 35. A circuit interrupting assembly according to statement 34, wherein said first
and second terminals are removably coupled to said first and second conductive brackets,
respectively, allowing complete removal of said circuit interrupting device thereby
providing a visual interruption in said current path.
[0108] 36. A circuit interrupting assembly according to statement 33, wherein said dielectric
housing of said circuit interrupter is connected to said housing of said actuator.
[0109] 37. A circuit interrupting assembly according to statement 36, wherein said housing
of said actuator is formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to
said second terminal so that the current path is defined through said housing of said
actuator.
[0110] 38. A circuit interrupting assembly according to statement 37, wherein said dielectric
housing is formed of a polyester material; and said conductive housing is formed of
aluminum.
[0111] 39. A circuit interrupting assembly according to statement 33, wherein said actuator
is a solenoid.
[0112] 40. A circuit interrupting assembly according to statement 33, wherein an electronic
control is received in said housing of said actuator and is electrically connected
to said actuator, said electronic control communicates with said actuator to trigger
said shaft to move said movable contact of said circuit interrupter from said closed
position to said open position upon occurrence of the fault current.
[0113] 41. A recloser for use with an electrical power distribution system, comprising:
a circuit interrupter including a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative
to said primary contact between a closed position allowing current to pass through
said circuit interrupter and an open position separating said contacts and preventing
current from passing through said circuit interrupter; an actuator coupled to said
circuit interrupter, said actuator including a movable shaft coupled to said movable
contact of said circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement therewith
and without insulation being disposed between said movable contact and said movable
shaft; and an electronic control electrically connected to said actuator, said electronic
control communicating with said actuator upon occurrence of a fault current to trigger
said shaft to move said movable contact of said circuit interrupter from said closed
position to said open position and to trigger said shaft to reclose said movable contact
from said open position to said closed position upon termination of the fault current.
[0114] 42. A recloser according to statement 41, wherein said actuator is a solenoid.
[0115] 43. A recloser according to statement 41, wherein said actuator is located adjacent
said circuit interrupter.
[0116] 44. A recloser according to statement 41, wherein said circuit interrupter, said
actuator, and said electronic control are ungrounded.
[0117] 45. A recloser according to statement 41, wherein said circuit interrupter includes
a dielectric housing enclosing said movable contact; each of said actuator and said
electronic control are received in a housing with said dielectric housing connected
to said housing of said actuator and said electronic control.
[0118] 46. A recloser according to statement 41, wherein first and second terminals are
electrically connected to each of said circuit interrupter and said electronic control,
respectively, and adapted for electrical connection to the power distribution system,
and define a current path between said first terminal, said circuit interrupter, said
electronic control and said second terminal, allowing current of the power distribution
system to pass through said current path so that the potential of each of said circuit
interrupter, said electronic control, respectively, is the same as the potential of
the power distribution system, and said first terminal, said circuit interrupter,
said actuator, and said second terminal, being ungrounded.
[0119] 47. A recloser according to statement 41, wherein said circuit interrupter, said
actuator, and said electronic control are not received in a grounded container.
[0120] 48. A recloser according to statement 41, wherein first and second terminals are
electrically connected to said circuit interrupter and said electronic control, respectively,
and are remote from one another, said first and second terminals are adapted for removable
connection to the power distribution system allowing complete removal of said circuit
interrupter, said actuator, and said electronic control from the power distribution
system thereby providing a visible break in said current path.
[0121] 49. A recloser according to statement 41, wherein said movable shaft and said movable
contact are connected by a threaded connection; and said electrical control is coupled
to said threaded connection by a conductive wire strap.
[0122] 50. A recloser according to statement 41, wherein said circuit interrupter is a vacuum
interrupter.
[0123] 51. A recloser for use with an electrical power distribution system, comprising:
a circuit interrupter movable between a closed position allowing current to pass through
said circuit interrupter and an open position preventing current from passing through
said circuit interrupter; an actuator coupled to said circuit interrupter and moving
said circuit interrupter between said closed and open positions; a rotatable handle
mechanism coupled to said actuator and movable between first and second positions
corresponding to said closed and open positions of said circuit interrupter, respectively;
and an electronic control electrically connected to each of said actuator and said
handle mechanism for said electronic control to trigger said actuator to move said
circuit interrupter from said closed position to said open position and for said handle
mechanism to trigger said electronic control to cause said actuator to move said circuit
interrupter from said open position to said closed position upon movement of said
handle from said second position to said first position, said handle mechanism upon
movement from said second position to said first position being incapable of mechanically
moving said circuit interrupter to said closed position.
[0124] 52. A recloser according to statement 51, wherein said circuit interrupter includes
a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative to said primary contact between
said closed position with said contacts being in contact and said open position with
said contacts being separated; said actuator includes a shaft coupled to said movable
contact for substantially simultaneous movement with said movable contact; and said
handle mechanism is coupled to said shaft for mechanically moving said actuator from
said closed position to said open position.
[0125] 53. A recloser according to statement 52, wherein said handle mechanism includes
a bracket slidably coupled to said shaft allowing said shaft to slide between said
closed and open positions; and said shaft includes a catch that can engage said bracket
when said handle mechanism is mechanically moved from said first position to said
second position to move said actuator mechanically from said closed position to said
open position without operation of said electronic control.
[0126] 54. A recloser according to statement 51, wherein said electronic control recloses
said actuator and said circuit interrupter from said open position to said closed
position without actuation of said handle mechanism.
[0127] 55. A recloser according to statement 51, wherein said electronic control substantially
simultaneously triggers said actuator to move said circuit interrupter from said closed
to said open position and moves said handle mechanism from said first position to
said second position during permanent fault conditions.
[0128] 56. A recloser according to statement 51, wherein said circuit interrupter, said
actuator, said electronic control, and said handle mechanism are ungrounded.
[0129] 57. A recloser according to statement 51, wherein said actuator is disposed adjacent
said circuit interrupter without insulation disposed therebetween.
[0130] 58. A recloser according to statement 51, wherein a lever mechanism separate from
said handle mechanism is electrically connected to said electronic control for preventing
said electronic control from triggering said circuit interrupter and said actuator
to reclose from said open position to said closed position.
[0131] 59. A recloser according to statement 58, wherein said lever mechanism includes a
lever and a rotatable shaft whereby rotating of said lever and said rotatable shaft
triggers said electronic control to prevent said circuit interrupter and said actuator
from reclosing from said open position to said closed position.
[0132] 60. A recloser according to statement 51, wherein said electronic control is electrically
connected to said handle mechanism through limit switches.